Adult-FanFiction.org : Games

Unresolved Tangles (Through a Glass Darkly 4)	By : Anesor Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 3510 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: The Dragon Age world, plot, and their characters aren't mine but belong to Bioware. Some characters may be my creations. I get no money for writing this sequel.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
Months passed and little changed. He helped mages escape through the shrinking mage underground, just about any day but Tuesdays.
The Hawke library was organized enough for anyone not obsessed with research. He'd set books set aside for perusal on days when Hawke was absent. Personal journals in archaic language recorded treatments for fluxes and their opposites; soon he started making jujube and burnet into lozenges for Darktown.
Rainy days with Hawke were better, and she talked at a safe distance on the sofa from him. She asked about whatever tome he studied, Circle- or Tevinter-written. His impromptu lectures were triggered by insightful questions from her. Her impromptu naps, she claimed were due to his voice.
She wasn't quite awake when she admitted that and then flushed charmingly.
He couldn't help feeling awed that she trusted him so, and reminded Justice they would not hurt her.
Hawke stopped following the plan when Aveline asked for help with Flint Mercenaries who returned to the Wounded Coast with an ax to grind. There were enough travelers and merchants hurt that Hawke went hunting.
When Hawke went hunting, he made the time, always.
She wasn't cautious enough, attacking mercenaries stronger and more armored. For that, he tolerated the mage-hating and apathetic warriors. It took weeks to track the Flints, and sometimes the warriors didn't come and Isabela did.
They passed close enough to the Dalish settlement after one skirmish that Hawke and Merrill had a quiet disagreement. Waving them to wait, he wasn't sure which one won their point, but soon the two were speaking to the Dalish Maker.
He decided to enjoy the fresh air away from Kirkwall.
What he hadn't expected was a slim hand reaching under his coat, and he jumped. “Isabela!”
She was very close, her tunic blindingly white in the sunlight as she pouted. “Come on, Anders. I miss that trick with the electricity. You look like you do too, you're all grumpy now.”
“Magic isn't for show...” he started, all of him annoyed.
“Not just for that, but it's a lot more fun. Hawke's got the figure in this armor that finally fits her. I wonder what kind of leather it is... wyvern? Maybe even dragon. Balls, who even cares?” Isabela's leer came with a satisfied lick of her own lips.
He could not repress his jealousy, and his gaze swept to Hawke as he remembered seeing her with Adriano at the Rose, many months ago. He gritted his teeth; he'd told Hawke over and over to find someone else.
He had no right to get upset, whatever she chose to do.
He turned away, aching.
“I'd be happy to help you get over Grumpy in a wild orgy with Hawke. I bet she's got great taste. She's a challenge and I'd bet together we can overcome any shyness with her...”
“I'm not that man, Hawke deserves more.” He was very sure of this.
Isabela rolled her eyes. “You got it bad... what a waste. Well, I'm not giving up.”
He sighed and forced himself to speak through the rock in his stomach. “Be my guest. I want her to be happy.”
A gleam appeared in the pirate's eyes. “I think I will.” She swaggered over to Hawke as Merrill was speaking to the merchant.
Hawke turned back to look at him, her paling face clear from even this distance.
The rock in his stomach became a boulder.
Nothing overt happened next. Hawke and Merrill finished their purchases. Isabela strutted back, looking like a cat wearing the cream. They didn't find any more mercenaries and returned to Kirkwall. Merrill turned toward her hovel with cheerful farewells.
Isabela saluted mockingly as she walked toward the Hanged Man. “See you Friday, Hawke! Don't be late!”
He and Hawke continued walking until the silence became awkward, and still he didn't know what to say.
They kept walking, all the way up to Hightown and her estate.
Inside the entrance Hawke came to a stop, her face flat instead of her usual smile. The tension was sharp enough to shave by.
“What was that, Anders?”
He felt defensive and wanted to say that he didn't do it, but he only shrugged. “What?”
Hawke got angrier, her eyes flashing and making her even more beautiful. “You pandered me off to Isabela! How could you do that? What do you think of me to do that? Just because I flirt once in a while doesn't mean I'm about to start turning tricks. I'm not that desperate!”
“No, Hawke. That wasn't what I meant.” He tried to speak over the happiness ringing from his spirit. His knees wobbled and felt like jelly, so he dropped to a bench before he fell.
“Oh, really?” Hawke's sarcasm was layers thick. “A few words here and there, a hug? And now you're comparing notes about my figure and taste with Isabela? Why are you doing this? If you want it sexless, then you keep it sexless, you worthless nug-shit.”
“I...” Why? Why was he doing this? Why he wanted her so much he'd do anything to keep her safe, even from himself? He couldn't explain how Hawke became the center of his life and hopes. He had no compelling logic to keep Justice convinced.
He wanted to take her in his arms to apologize. He wanted to beg and taste her himself. He wanted to be free to stand beside her every day of their lives. “I told Isabela only that she could pursue you if she wished. I have no right to imply I have any say otherwise.” He felt defeated.
Hawke's face settled into a simmer, rosy from anger. “Fine. Get out.”
Standing in a rush, he ached to hold her. “Hawke?” His voice wobbled more than he wanted to admit.
Her face was harsh and she looked away.
The band around his chest tightened. He raised a pleading hand toward her and fear choked out, “I'll see you Tuesday?”
Hawke nodded.
--- x ---
A/N: The prompt challenge words are jelly and jujube. Thanks to my beta reader who has been kind enough to read this and point out stupid flubs. Any typos that remain are not intentional... Reviews or a PM to let me know what you think would be very appreciated.
- 7
- 8
- 9
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Unresolved Tangles (Through a Glass Darkly 4)